FULL MATURITY

FULL MATURITY!

Eph 4:11-15

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

           The word perfecting in verse 12 is the Greek katartismos which means “complete furnishing.” However the word perfect in verse 13 is teleios which indicates reaching an appointed goal, coming to complete physical, moral and mental completeness. The clue to our understanding is in verse 14 when the disciple is presented as no longer a child tossed between opinions and options. He has made his choices and stands firm in them.

           Merriam-Webster says that maturity is: [1] that which is based on slow careful consideration [2] having attained a final or desired state [3] of or relating to a condition of full development [4] due for payment, as in the maturing of a mortgage.

           The church is a classroom preparing the believer for heaven and not a side show to entertain him until the bus arrives to take him there! The maturing of the saints is the stated purpose of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. The word “until” indicates that it could be a long process.

           If a child is found sitting upon the carpet finger painting with mustard and catsup the parent normally does not sit down to join in the fun. He must first stop the immature and damaging behavior, explain why it is wrong to do such a thing and administer measured discipline. Finally he must clean up the mess. Restrictive boundaries must be reviewed with the hope that this same behavior is not repeated. This process is repeated until the child understands that the behavior is wrong and is able (mature enough) to restrain himself. The endeavor is not for the faint of heart!

Heb 13:17

17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Dear Lord, give me patience as one who disciples souls and wisdom as one who is moving on toward maturity. AMEN